After the Blues signed Nicolas Jackson as their central-forward. They are still keeping tabs on Dušan Vlahović of Juventus, wanting to balance their frontline.
At the moment, the West London club don’t have any experienced attackers in the squad. However, they can lean on Raheem Sterling, who isn’t enough.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali keep building for their future. Nevertheless, they are expected to sign more experienced players to balance the squad.
Of course, they have Thiago Silva. However, the Brazilian centre-back plays as a centre-back. As a result, they need more experienced hands in attack.
Therefore, the West London club don’t want to rely on only Nicolas Jackson next season. They reportedly want a standard central-forward.
Having seen what the 22-year-old Senegalese did at Villarreal last campaign. Obviously, he has the ability to dictate the team’s attack in 2023-2024.
Mauricio Pochettino reportedly asked for Dušan Vlahović. Because Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is most likely to leave Stamford Bridge in this summer’s transfer window.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, he confirmed that Chelsea have already inquired about the Serbian striker. Meanwhile, Juventus reportedly wants £65 to £70 million.
Apparently, the West London club needs more experienced hands up front. Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino is capable of improving the Senegalese.
At the moment, Chelsea have many young players in the squad, particularly in attack. The likes of Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Christopher Nkunku, and others.
However, the Premier League side are looking for ways to replace Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. So they have Vlahović on their radar.
Also, according to Football Italia, Juventus would be happy to let Dušan leave for around €80 million. Of course, the Old Lady are expensive.
Dušan Vlahović reportedly likes Chelsea. However, there are many stumbling blocks. Regardless, the Blues are expected to approach Juventus.
Even though the Blues have already offloaded many top players this summer transfer window. They would still want to balance their FFP book.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Chelsea are serious about the Serbian striker. The player’s agent is most likely to arrive in London this week.
What’s the difference between Dušan Vlahović and Nicolas Jackson?
The Serbian international is 23-year-old, while the Senegalese is 22-year-old. However, the Serbian striker is more experienced, because he has been involved in many competitions with Juventus.
The Old Lady central-forward has played in some UEFA competitions, particularly the UEFA Champions League. As a result, he has more experience than the Senegalese.
At the same time, Vlahović is more like a traditional No.9, while Jackson is the opposite, a modern No.9. Therefore, there’s a little difference in their style of play.
A modern striker has the ability to link up very well with his teammates. He can also dictate the team’s attack, that’s what Nicolas Jackson brings to the team.
Dušan’s link up play is so bad. He’s more like a traditional No.9, always staying up front. Therefore, he needs a midfielder like Kevin De Bruyne to succeed.
Another difference between the two players is versatility. The Serbian striker isn’t really versatile, he cannot handle both flanks like the Senegalese.
Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino’s style of play fits Nicolas Jackson. Vlahović doesn’t actually fit the Blues style of play under the Argentine gaffer.
Obviously, both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. However, the 22-year-old striker perfectly fits Chelsea more than Dušan.
Dušan Vlahović strengths and weaknesses
- Finishing
- Direct free-kicks
Weaknesses
- Offside awareness
- Defensive contribution
- Passing
- Holding on to the ball
Why Chelsea shouldn’t sign Dušan Vlahović as their central-forward?
Despite the fact that Mauricio Pochettino is hell-bent on getting the Serbian striker. There are many reasons why they shouldn’t.
Injury woes
The Serbian international is an injury-prone player. His injury record is very bad, and that’s not what the West London club needed in the squad next season.
Frankly, Vlahović has been struggling with muscle related injuries for 18 months. He hasn’t been fully available for Juventus.
The muscle injury has literally turned his career upside down. Christian Pulisic, who recently joined AC Milan from Chelsea, is an example.
As a result, signing the Serbian striker doesn’t sound wise. Because he will only add to the team’s injury list. Injury-wise, the Blues suffered greatly last campaign.
Christopher Nkunku is available
The West London club wanting the Serbian international means they don’t trust Jackson. However, they have Christopher Nkunku.
The Blues new signing from RB Leipzig is very versatile. He can comfortably play every available position in attack.
With Nicolas Jackson as the main central-forward. Nkunku can play as his backup. Therefore, they don’t really need Dušan, who is most likely to be expensive.
There’s no way Mauricio Pochettino would be able to accommodate Jackson, Nkunku, and Vlahović. They don’t need the Serbian striker.
Dušan Vlahović isn’t an elite striker
Mauricio Pochettino wants the Serbian striker because he’s a traditional No.9. However, he’s not really an elite baller.
There’s no difference between Kai Havertz and the Serbian international. So, the West London club should look for a better option.
Even though Nicolas Jackson is 22-year-old. He has the ability to become an elite central-forward in a few years.
The likes of Harry Kane of Tottenham, Robert Lewandowski of Barcelona are elite strikers. The Serbian international doesn’t come close.
Fees and wages
Of course, the West London club are trying to offload players with high wages on their list. As a result, Vlahović isn’t ideal for them.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali want players with lower wages. They have already offloaded Havertz, Ziyech, Mendy, and the rest.
Meanwhile, the Serbian striker coming to Chelsea would cost huge wages. And that won’t settle well with the West London club.
It’s reported that Juventus won’t accept anything less than €60 million to €70 million for the player. The Blues are most unlikely to pay such a fee for his transfer.